Sen. Joey Fillingane

Maddy summarySB 3155 appropriates $2,000,000 from the State General Fund to Marion County for paving and street improvements during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly provides funding for Marion County to cover costs associated with street repairs and paving projects. It is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions or eligibility requirements beyond the specified amount and timeframe.

Maddy summarySB 3156 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to Walthall County for the construction or renovation of an additional courtroom. The funding covers costs associated with this project during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or new requirements beyond the specified allocation. It directly affects Walthall County government, enabling infrastructure improvements at its courthouse.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 21) formally commends the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College men's golf team for winning their second consecutive NJCAA Division II national championship. It specifically highlights their record-breaking season, including three national titles, 10 tournament wins, and multiple individual awards for players and coach Brad Thornton. The resolution also recognizes the team's academic achievements, including NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Honorable Mention. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only to express legislative praise and will be presented to college leadership.

Maddy summarySB 2105 would have allowed Mississippi defendants to post 10% of their total bail amount in cash instead of using a surety bond or property bond, provided they met eligibility requirements and signed a sworn affidavit. The bill required courts to provide defendants with a specific notice form detailing bail options, including the choice to use a professional bail agent (who would charge a non-refundable premium). Funds collected through this cash bail option would have been deposited into a "Cash Bail Fund" managed by the county treasurer. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was not enacted, though it was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 2106 would require Mississippi courts to make a specific finding before granting bail to defendants charged with violent crimes (as defined in Section 97-3-2), ensuring bail won't endanger others or compromise public safety. It also removes justice court judges' authority to set bonds for felony offenses, transferring that power to higher courts. The bill directly affects defendants charged with violent crimes and justice court judges handling felony cases. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2109 prohibits the use of any manual, electronic, or mechanical device that hides or obscures a license plate on vehicles in Mississippi. It directly affects all drivers and vehicle owners who might use such devices, including stickers, covers, or brackets that block plate visibility. The bill amends existing law to explicitly ban these devices, stating that license plates must remain fully visible at all times without obstruction. Violations would be punishable as misdemeanors with a maximum fine of $25.

Maddy summarySB 2139, the Mississippi Guaranteeing Fair Banking Act, would require large financial institutions (banks with over $10 billion in assets or payment processors handling over $10 billion in annual transactions) to provide customers with specific written reasons for adverse actions - such as loan denials or account closures - within 30 days of a request made within 90 days of the action. The bill prohibits discrimination in banking based on protected activities like religion, free speech, lawful economic activity, or related factors, and mandates that institutions explain if such criteria influenced their decision. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law, enabling customers to seek legal remedies, including potential recovery of attorney fees if a lawsuit was filed without merit.

Maddy summarySB 2141, titled the "Protecting Women and Children Act," creates a private civil lawsuit allowing individuals to sue those who distribute abortion-inducing drugs in Mississippi, including through internet platforms or mail. The bill prohibits manufacturing, mailing, distributing, or facilitating access to such drugs within the state, but exempts internet service providers, search engines, and cloud services that only offer basic access (not content creation or modification). It defines key terms like "abortion-inducing drug" and "abortion assistance organization" to clarify who is affected, and specifies that enforcement occurs solely through private lawsuits - not criminal penalties. The law aims to address the distribution of these drugs while protecting certain internet services from liability.

Maddy summarySB 2140 would have created a new criminal offense called "aggravated manslaughter" in Mississippi, directly affecting perpetrators who commit manslaughter under specific aggravating circumstances. The bill defined this crime when the victim was a vulnerable adult (senior over 65 or someone with physical/mental disabilities) OR when the perpetrator had a prior violent crime conviction, escalating penalties beyond standard manslaughter. If passed, convicted individuals would face 10-30 years in prison (compared to 2-20 years for regular manslaughter). The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.